Yep that’s me, Joely! Let me tell you a little more about myself and my family……

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My Health Journey & Living a Healthy Lifestyle

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Let's start out saying that I did not grow up in a family of healthy eaters. I was born and raised in Fargo, North Dakota where my meals focused heavily on meat, potatoes, and LOTS of dairy! Don’t get me wrong, I come from a family of great home cooks but it wasn’t necessarily the healthiest food I was eating growing up in the midwest.

 

Because of my eating habits, I have struggled over the years with thyroid challenges, gut issues, gallbladder attacks, hormone imbalance, and the list goes on. I started changing my lifestyle my last year in graduate school in 2012. I am one that stays clear of fad dieting, because IT DOESN’T WORK!!!! I reduced my meat intake while increasing my fruits and vegetables plus exercising. It was a life changer!

 

Life was going great, eating and living a healthy lifestyle until the last several years when I started having horrible gallbladder pains and attacks. I went to countless doctors and specialist and no one could ever come up with a specific diagnosis. Fast forward to this year, I cut out dairy and eggs in my life which transformed my health! Which is why I am starting this blog.

 

Going dairy-free is not the only thing that has helped me on my health transformation journey. I have learned over the years that being mindful is an essential part of having a healthy lifestyle. Being mindful to me means focusing time and energy on my mind, body, and soul through eating healthy, exercising, and focusing on things that fill up my soul like my love for my dog, cooking, gardening, arts & crafts, and essential oils.

 

I want to share my health experience, journey, and my love for food with like minded people or people just starting out on their health journey. I have a passion for healthy eating, fitness, mindfulness, active lifestyle, cooking, and being an all around foodie. I love to be creative in the kitchen and make new dishes to help inspire people that eating healthy is not only easy but delicious!

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What you’ll find on the The Mindful Midwest

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I’m excited to share with each and everyone of you some exciting and delicious recipes, that are not only healthy but dairy-free. My goal is make it easier for everyone to eat healthier plus providing easy tips and tricks when starting out dairy free. Just because you’re dairy free doesn’t mean you have to be missing out on your favorite dairy filled recipes. This girl has you covered!

 

You will also find other ways to learn about being mindful in your daily life through fitness, healthy living habits, and my love for essential oils. You will also see cameos from my beloved best friend and dog Lindy!

 

Social

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You can find me on other platforms as well, including instagram and pinterest. If I am not at my day job, I am always creating new food creations and inspirations. Please follow me to the Press Page if you are looking at working with The Mindful Midwest.